This Week in Startups Best of This Week in Startups: Week of September 21st, 2020
Sep 26, 2020
In a whirlwind discussion, the fallout from Nikola's leadership change raises questions about ambition and market viability. The CEO of Loom shares insights on carving out a niche in a crowded market. Startup funding is rapidly evolving, potentially reshaping Silicon Valley’s dominance. The conversation shifts to journalism's transformation, contrasting the rise of paid newsletters with traditional media's struggles. Get ready for a deep dive into the future of industries and the intricacies of startup success!
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Nikola Interview and CNBC Appearance
- Jason Calacanis interviewed Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola, in episode 1090.
- After the interview, Calacanis expressed concerns about Nikola's valuation and business strategy on CNBC.
Questioning Nikola's Strategy
- Trevor Milton's explanation for pursuing both hydrogen and electric vehicles seemed unconvincing to Calacanis.
- Milton's justification for creating a consumer pickup truck seemed unusual and potentially problematic.
Concerns about Stock Manipulation
- Calacanis found Milton's focus on building a trillion-dollar company and attracting Robinhood traders concerning.
- He questioned if building a product to entice investors constituted stock manipulation.